Jan Neruda, 1834-1891

Biographical note

Czech journalist, writer and poet, one of the most prominent representatives of Czech Realism and a member of "the
May school". In his work Neruda promoted the idea of rebirth of Czech patriotism. He participated in all the central
cultural and political struggles of his generation, and gained a reputation as a sensitive critic.

Neruda was known for his satirical depiction of the petty bourgeois of Prague. His most popular prose work is
"Povídky malostranské" (Tales of the Little Side, 1877), a collection of short stories. Neruda's stories take the
reader to the Lesser Quarter, to its streets and yards, shops, churches, houses, and restaurants.